Fresh & Frugal: Flavorful Ways to Save!

by Nicole Noteboom

There is no denying that the cost of food has gone up, and with the potential impact of tariffs, we know people are looking for ways to save on groceries. And if you’re someone who also makes purchases based on your personal values or dietary needs, the pressure probably feels even greater; it’s hard to prioritize what matters most—price, convenience, flavor, local, organic, health, et cetera—especially when you’re hungry and all you want is to eat something good!

Those decisions are deeply personal, but one thing we can all agree on is that no one wants to waste food, and we certainly don’t want to throw our hard-earned dollars down the drain. Those both feel icky. Yet, it’s so easy to do, and food waste continues to be a struggle, for just about everyone.

It is now estimated that the average family of 4 throws away more than $3,000 of edible food every year. That is a lot of green! And more importantly, that’s a lot of food that could have been eaten! …food that was purchased with the full intention of eating! And for whatever reason (and the reasons are many), it wasn’t.

The good news is: edible food is totally edible, and eating it is not only enjoyable, it helps stretch your budget, too. So, before you stand in front of the fridge while feeling like you’ve got nothing to eat, let’s take a closer look!

Here are a few tips, tricks, and friendly reminders to help make the most of your food:

Kitchen Creativity

This one is a no-brainer for the home cooks in the group, but for the others, can seem a little daunting. Just remember your kitchen is a creative space, and it’s okay to play! It’s amazing what ends up on your plate when you take time to build a meal with the food you already have on hand. Feel free to ask the internet (or a friend) how to best combine the ingredients. Or, revisit your favorite restaurant menu for a little culinary inspiration!

Level Up Your Leftovers

Oh, leftovers. They’ve got a bad reputation, but if you flip the switch, the light bulb comes on, and hey! Your meal has basically made itself. Reheating is always an option, but if that sounds boring, there’s a good chance you can transform last night’s dinner into something sensational.

Mix, Make, Mmm…

You ever have random leftover sauces? Try mixing them for a likely-lovely fusion. Vegetable bits and bops? Throw them in a stir fry. Leftover meat? Also, stir fry! And when in doubt, frittata! From sliced meat and cheese from a picked-over charcuterie board to broccoli stalks and an overwhelm of zucchini, you can make a delicious breakfast with just about anything.

Make Friends with Your Freezer

Still staring at ingredients and decided it’s a no-cook kind of night? Throw your rogue foods into the freezer to think about later. Freezing food also freezes time, so you can skip the work until you feel like adding those items to the menu. Bananas, berries, meats, bread, and veggie scraps all make sense here.

Cool Tip!

Uncover a slimy cucumber in the fridge? Don’t throw it out! Simply put it in a pot of boiling water for a second or two to bring it right back to life. Ta-da!